Items filtered by date: September 2022

People who have pain in their big toe may be unaware it can indicate an underlying medical condition. These can include bunions, ingrown toenails, and gout. A bunion is a deformity that is noticeable from the bony lump that forms on the side of the big toe. Gout is a condition that affects the joints in the big toe and can be extremely painful. An ingrown toenail is often noticed by pain in the big toe and can become infected if prompt treatment is not received. Additionally, there may have been an injury that has happened to the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP joint, and this can cause sharp pain in the big toe. It may be difficult to complete daily activities, and larger shoes may need to be purchased. There are several methods to treat toe pain, and it is strongly suggested that you contact a podiatrist to determine the source of your pain.

Toe pain can disrupt your daily activities. If you have any concerns, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Causes Toe Pain?

Most severe toe pain is caused due to a sports injury, trauma from dropping something heavy on the toe, or bumping into something rigid. Other problems can develop over time for various reasons.

Toe pain can be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Trauma
• Sports injury
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Arthritis
• Gout
• Corns and calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Blisters
• Ingrown toenails
• Sprains
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Dislocations

When to See a Podiatrist

• Severe pain
• Persistent pain that lasts more than a week
• Signs of infection
• Continued swelling
• Pain that prevents walking

Diagnosis

In many cases the cause of toe pain is obvious, but in others, a podiatrist may want to use more advanced methods to determine the problem. These can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatments for toe pain and injuries vary and may include shoe inserts, padding, taping, medicines, injections, and in some cases, surgery. If you believe that you have broken a toe, please see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a specific kind of autoimmune disorder that primarily impacts the joints and other body systems. Although individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can experience a wide range of different symptoms, foot pain is an important symptom of RA. For example, individuals with RA can experience swelling, pain, and abnormalities in the feet. Not only can this be annoying in and of itself for those with RA, it can also make falling or tripping due to weakened feet more likely. This can be especially problematic for older individuals who are already susceptible to trips and falls. If you are someone that suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and is experiencing foot pain, it is suggested you make an appointment with a podiatrist.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor will assist you with all of your podiatric concerns.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

• Swelling and pain in the feet
• Stiffness in the feet
• Pain on the ball or sole of feet
• Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Anyone who takes up running as a way to keep fit is well advised by experts to make sure they have the proper shoes for that activity. But in some cases, one pair of running shoes may not be enough. In fact, it is suggested that anyone running more than four or more times per week rotate their running shoes. The main reasons given are to lower the risk of injuries, improve performance, and increase the lifespan of the shoes. Studies show that rotating your running shoes can reduce injuries by 40 percent. This is mainly due to lowering the repetitive stress factor. Further, because different types of running call for different types of shoes, it is wise to have several pairs. For instance, you may need a shoe with more cushioning for a harder run than for an easier run. Experts also suggest paying attention to the midsole foam content of your shoes, because compression may be a source of injury. For more information on finding the right running shoes, please consult a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Morton’s neuroma is a benign, but painful, condition that affects the ball of the foot. It occurs when the tissue around a nerve leading to a toe thickens from irritation or compression. It usually happens between the third and fourth toes, but can also happen between the second and third toes. If any symptoms are felt, the most prevalent is intermittent pain. There may be a burning sensation in the ball of the foot and a feeling like one is standing on a pebble, marble, or bunched up sock. The toes may feel tingly or numb, and one might have difficulty walking. Even though it feels swollen, there is no visible swelling on the foot. Morton’s neuroma is generally caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels, foot or gait abnormalities, participating in repetitive sporting activities, or an injury to the foot. If you experience pain in your feet, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If not treated in a timely manner, this condition can cause permanent nerve damage.

Morton’s neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma, contact Todd A. Bell, DPM of Connecticut. Our doctor will attend to all of your foot care needs and answer any of your related questions.  

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of Having Morton’s Neuroma?

• Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot
• Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot
• Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Bloomfield, CT . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.